Coronavirus in India: 61 migrants caught fleeing Mumbai in truck meant to carry essential goods
Source in the Mumbai Police told India Today TV that the truck, carrying 61 passengers to Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh, had the Essential Duty Pass.
The Mumbai Police on Saturday stopped 61 migrant workers from fleeing the city in a truck meant for transportation of essential commodities.
After receiving a tip-off from local residents, police found that the truck driver, in the garb of carrying essential supplies, was ferrying the migrant workers to their home town in Uttar Pradesh. The truck was parked at a tea stall at Dunken Road in Mumbai.
Source in the Mumbai Police told India Today TV that the truck, carrying 61 passengers to Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh, had the Essential Duty Pass.
"Police have now seized the truck and a case against the owner has been registered. They have also noted details of the migrant workers who were planning to leave the city. The workers were not apprehended for the act," the source said.
Some residents staying in the high-rise building noticed that the truck was full of migrant workers. Being suspicious, they informed the police about the situation.
The Maharashtra government has made separate facilities for the migrant workforce.
Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray, in a tweet on Saturday, said that 4,97,398 people were living as "guests" in 3,728 relief camps in Maharashtra as of 7:30 pm on April 3. "These consisted of labour from various sectors of industry and infrastructure, irrigation departments and sugar factories," he said.
Just a quick update on Migrant Labour (inter state and inter district) Relief Camps in Maharashtra as of 7:30 pm on 3rd April 2020.
Camps: 3728
People as guests: 4,97,398
These consist of labour from various sectors of industry & infra, irrigation dept and sugar factories. Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) April 4, 2020
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has on many occasions appealed to the migrant workforce to not leave the state, while assuring them that his government would take care of their accommodation and basic needs.
On Saturday, the total number of Covid-19 or novel coronavirus cases in Maharashtra surged past 600, with more than 100 cases reported in a day.
IndiaToday.in has plenty of useful resources that can help you better understand the coronavirus pandemic and protect yourself. Read our comprehensive guide (with information on how the virus spreads, precautions and symptoms), watch an expert debunk myths, check out our data analysis of cases in India, and access our dedicated coronavirus page. Get the latest updates on our live blog.